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CDJ 2026 MHC 6055
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| Court : Before the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court |
| Case No : WP.(MD). No. 23417 of 2026 |
| Judges: THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE B. PUGALENDHI |
| Parties : A. Velanganni Joseph Versus The Principal Secretary to Government, Higher Education Department, Chennai & Others |
| Appearing Advocates : For the Petitioner: V.R. Kamalanathan, P. Baburaj, Advocates. For the Respondents: R1, J. Barathan, Additional Advocate General, C. Jeganathan, Special Government Pleader, R3, Isaac Mohan Lal, Senior Counsel, R. Ragatheeshkumar, Advocate. |
| Date of Judgment : 19-08-2026 |
| Head Note :- |
Constitution of India - Article 226 -
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| Summary :- |
1. Statutes / Acts / Rules Mentioned:
- Article 226 of the Constitution of India
2. Catch Words:
- Quo Warranto
3. Summary:
The petitioner filed a writ petition under Article 226 seeking a writ of quo warranto against Dr. S. Muhaiah, the Registrar (in‑charge) of Madurai Kamaraj University, alleging lack of requisite qualifications. The respondent university contended that the registrar is serving temporarily, possesses the necessary qualifications, and a regular registrar is being appointed. Arguments highlighted that many Tamil Nadu universities currently operate without Vice‑Chancellors, with Registrars (in‑charge) and a Convenor Committee handling administration. The Court, while not inclined to entertain the petition, ordered a report from the Secretary to Government and instructions from the Additional Advocate General regarding the vacancy of Vice‑Chancellor posts. The matter was posted for hearing after three weeks.
4. Conclusion:
Petition Dismissed |
| Judgment :- |
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(Prayer :- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Quo Warranto, directing the 3rd respondent, namely, Dr.S.Muhaiah, to show cause, under what authority he continues to hold the post of Registrar (i/c) in 2nd respondent Madurai Kamaraj University and pass such further or other orders.)
1. The petitioner has filed this petition in the nature of Writ of Quo Warranto against the third respondent, namely, Dr.S.Muthaiah, Registrar (i/c) of Madurai Kamaraj University, contending that he does not possess the required qualification.
2. The learned Senior Counsel appearing for the third respondent University states that the third respondent is acting only as a Registrar In-charge on a temporary basis and that he possesses all the required qualifications and was appointed by a competent authority. According to him, a notification has been issued for the appointment of a regular Registrar on 02.06.2026. The last date for submitting applications was also fixed as 08.07.2026. Applications have been received, and the process of appointing a regular Registrar is underway.
3. During the course of arguments, the learned counsel on either side submitted that, in the State of Tamil Nadu, there are no Vice- Chancellors in almost 14 Universities and that most of the Universities are now administered by the Registrars In-charge, with all the decisions being taken by the Convenor Committee.
4. Though this Court is not inclined to entertain this writ petition, considering the submissions made across the Bar that there have been no Vice-Chancellors in almost 14 Universities for several years, this Court expects a report on this from the first respondent/Secretary to Government. This Court also directs the learned Additional Advocate General to get instructions from the first respondent regarding the reasons for not filling up the posts of Vice-Chancellors and the steps taken by the present administration to fill up the posts.
5. Post the matter after three weeks.
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